Washington:

Coverage to All Children

Results

The initiative is being implemented over a five-year period, beginning in July 2007 through 2012. Here are some of the results so far:

• Coverage for Immigrant Children Implemented. In July 2007, coverage for immigrant children was increased from 100 percent to 250 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). When this was implemented, 8,000 children who were eligible for coverage because they had siblings who were enrolled in either Medicaid or SCHIP were automatically enrolled.
  
  
• Launching of Apple Health for Kids. As part of an overall outreach campaign, the state repackaged and relaunched the state’s Medicaid and CHIP programs as a seamless new program called “Apple Health for Kids” in the summer of 2008. This rebranding is part of the ongoing effort to further simplify and streamline the state’s health care programs for children. 


• Expansion up to 300 Percent Implemented. Beginning in late February 2009, children in families with incomes up to 300% FPL were made eligible for coverage in Apple Health for Kids. This expansion had originally been slated to begin January 1, 2009, but due to budget pressures was put on hold. Following CHIP reauthorization and the withdrawal of the August 17th directive, the state moved ahead with the expansion. Coverage was also extended retroactively to families with income up to 300% FPL who applied since November 24, but were denied coverage. The state estimates that 800-900 children will receive coverage they were previously denied and an additional 2,500 children will be enrolled by June.
  

Finally the legislation requires an evaluation of key elements of the program including the efficacy of outreach to enroll eligible children, how many fewer children are uninsured, and overall improvements in children’s health as measured by indicators such as well-child visits, immunizations, and dental visits. These results will be delivered in a report to the legislature and will be available at a later date.

For updates on Washington's program visit the health section of the Children's Alliance's Web site.